Golden Tigresses stay perfect

MANILA, Philippines — Santo Tomas took down Ateneo, 25-19, 25-16, 25-19, to stretch its unbeaten run and firm up hold of the top spot in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Angeline Poyos, in a toe-to-toe race with UE’s Casiey Dongallo for the Rookie of the Year – and possibly the MVP plum – notched the gear higher with a career-best outing of 26 points to anchor yet another straight-sets win by the Golden Tigresses.

Poyos unleashed 21 hits, three aces and two blocks as Santo Tomas needed only 89 minutes to dispatch the Blue Eagles for a 5-0 slate, its best start in the last 12 seasons.

Regina Jurado added 12 points and 10 digs while Jonna Perdido had eight points and seven receptions for the Golden Tigresses, who maintained a separation from joint second-placers La Salle and National U with 4-1 records.

As usual, reigning Best Libero Bernadett Pepito anchored Santo Tomas’ floor defense with 13 digs and nine receptions as Cassie Carballo orchestrated the attack on the other end with 18 sets.

“Simple instructions ni coach Kungfu (Reyes), kung ano ‘yung ginagawa namin sa training, ganun din ang ikikilos, wala silang babaguhin. So, except dun sa medyo dulong part ng third set, ‘yun ang ginawa ng mga bata,” said deputy mentor Lerma Giron.

In the second game, rookie Faida Bakanke (14), Gerzel Petallo (12) and Chenie Tagaod (12) connived as Far Eastern U (3-2) beat Adamson (2-3), 25-13, 25-22, 25-17, to move to fourth place.

The Lady Falcons slid to fifth place.